Container for handling bulk material

ABSTRACT

A container for handling bulk material comprising a sheet ( 2 ) of material defining a base panel ( 3 ) and a plurality of side wall panels ( 4,5,6,7 ) separated from the base panel by a plurality of fold lines, said sheet being foldable about said fold lines into an erected configuration wherein said side wall panels extend upwardly from said base panel to define an open topped receptacle for holding bulk material, an external framework ( 20 ) being provided for supporting the sheet in its erected configuration, said sheet being collapsible to a collapsed configuration to facilitate emptying of said receptacle.

This invention relates to a container for handling bulk material and in particular to a collapsible container for transporting bulk material that can be folded when empty to facilitate transportation and storage and which can be collapsed to facilitate emptying of the container.

According to the present invention there is provided a container for handling bulk material comprising a sheet of material defining a base panel and a plurality of side wall panels separated from the base panel by a plurality of fold lines, said sheet being foldable about said fold lines into an erected configuration wherein said side wall panels extend upwardly from said base panel to define an open topped receptacle for holding bulk material, an external framework being provided for supporting the sheet in its erected configuration, said sheet being collapsible to a collapsed configuration to facilitate emptying of said receptacle.

Preferably the external framework is configurable between an erected configuration, for supporting said receptacle, and a collapsed configuration, for transportation and storage.

In one embodiment external framework comprises first and second spaced parallel substantially side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly comprising at least one substantially horizontal lower side frame member and at least substantially horizontal upper side frame member, said upper and lower side frame members being linked by a plurality of parallel linkage members pivotally attached to said upper and lower side frame members such that the at least one upper side frame member can be moved with respect to said at least one lower side frame member in a parallelogram manner between a raised position, wherein the framework is in its erected configuration, and a lowered position, wherein the framework is in its collapsed configuration. The side frame members may be interconnected by perpendicularly extending end members. Preferably said perpendicular end members are detachable from said side frame members.

Each side frame assembly may be foldable about a respective substantially vertical axis such that the side frame assemblies can be folded in half about said vertical axis.

Preferably the receptacle is formed from a single sheet of material. More preferably the receptacle is formed from a substantially rectangular sheet of flexible material, either single or multi-layered material. Alternatively the sheet comprises a plurality of individual panels interconnected along said fold lines. The sheet may be formed from a fabric, a mesh or a woven material. Preferably the sheet is formed from a fire resistant material.

A substantially rigid base member may be insertable into the receptacle defined by the erected sheet to lie upon the base panel.

Preferably the base panel of the sheet is reinforced. The base panel may comprise a reinforcing member affixed to or sandwiched between different layers of the sheet material of the base panel.

Preferably elongate lifting straps are provided to enable the sheet in its erected configuration, and its contents, to be lifted out of the framework. The lifting straps may terminate in loops for connection to lifting means. A plurality of transverse first straps may be provided extending across the width of the sheet and at least one second strap may be provided extending along the length of the sheet. Preferably said first and second straps extend through respective sleeves provided in the sheet.

In one embodiment releasable fastening means are provided on the external framework for supporting the sheet from the framework. Said releasable fastening may comprise a plurality of projections or hooks provided on the inner sides of the external framework said projections being received within apertures or eyelets provided in the sheet. Preferably said projections are moveably mounted on the framework for movement between an extended position, wherein the projections can engage the sheet, and a retracted position, wherein the projections are withdrawn from the sheet. Preferably the projections are provided on the inner sides of the upper side frame members and/or the inner sides of the end members of the framework.

In one embodiment elongate support members may be provided along or adjacent the side members of the framework, said support members supporting the sides of the sheet. The support members may each comprise an elongate pole, said pole being received in a sleeve or in loops provided in the sides of the sheet whereby the elongate poles support the sides of the sheet. The support members are preferably supported on the end members of the framework to extend parallel to the side frame members of the framework.

One or more cover members may be provided for closing said open top of said receptacle defined by the sheet in its erected configuration. Said one or more cover members may be pivotally mounted on the external framework, preferably on the side frame members of the framework. In an alternative embodiment, the cover member may comprise a cover panel securable to the sheet, said cover panel being provided with connection means permitting the cover to be connected to lifting means to enable the cover, and the sheet attached thereto to be lifted out of and away from the external framework. Preferably said cover panel comprises a substantially rigid panel having a plurality of securing members provided thereon adapted to be secured to the sheet and to permit the sheet to be suspended from the cover. Each securing member may comprise a chain having a first end fastened to the underside of the cover and a second end releasably securable to said cover once secured to the sheet, preferably by means of said first and second straps.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in an erected configuration;

FIG. 2 is detailed view of the container of FIG. 1 showing the attachment of the sheet to the framework;

FIG. 3 is a further perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 showing the attachment of the sheet to the framework;

FIG. 4 a is detailed perspective view of an upper side frame member of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 b is a plan view of the side frame member of FIG. 4 a showing hidden detail in dotted lines;

FIG. 4 c is a side view of the side frame member of FIG. 4 a showing hidden detail in dotted lines;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the framework of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one side of the framework of FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of an end frame member of the framework of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the end frame member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cover member of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a further perspective view of the container of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 10 loaded onto a vehicle.

As shown in the drawings, a container for handling bulk material in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a single sheet 2 of flexible material, such as a woven plastic coated fabric or mesh, folded to define a box like receptacle 10 having a rectangular base panel 3, first and second rectangular side wall panels 4,5, extending from parallel long sides of the base panel 3, and first and second rectangular end wall panels 6,7, extending from parallel short sides of the base panel 3. Corner regions of the sheet 2 between the end and side wall panels 4,5,6,7 may be folded against the adjacent end or side wall panel.

The sheet 2 may be formed from a multilayer rubberised fabric or any other suitable wear resistance flexible material. The base panel 3 may be reinforced, for example by means of woven nylon webbing located between inner and outer layers of the base panel 3. The side and/or end panels may be similarly reinforced, if desired. The outer surface of the sheet, in particular the side panels, may be decorated or coloured as desired, for example to show advertising of branding. Preferably the sheet is formed from an impervious material to enable the receptacle 10 to retain water and/or powders. Preferably the sheet is formed from a material resistant to vermin.

An end panel of the sheet may be adpated to be openable to provide ground level access to the receptacle defined by the sheet, for example to allow a wheel barrow to pass into the receptacle. The end panel may include releasable fastenings, such as zips or hooks and loop fastenings, to allow it to be opened. The openable end panel may remain attached to the remainder of the sheet or may be completely detachable from the remainder of the sheet.

To allow the receptacle 10 defined by the sheet 2 to be supported and lifted, a plurality of lifting straps are inserted through sleeves in the sheet, including a plurality of spaced first lifting straps 8 extending across the width of the sheet 2 and one or more second lifting straps 9 extending along the length of the sheet 2. The lifting straps 8,9 may be secured within the sleeves of the sheet 2 or may be free to slide within the sleeves to allow the loaded fabric of the sheet to sag. The ends of the lifting straps are provided with loops for attachment of lifting hooks. In an alternative embodiment, for example where the container is intended for lighter material or is a smaller size, the lifting straps may be attached directly to the sides of the sheet and need not extend through the sheet.

The sheet 2, when folded to define the receptacle 10, is supported by an external framework 20 comprising first and second spaced parallel side frame assemblies 21,22 and first and second end frame assemblies 23,24 extending between the side frame assemblies 21,22 at either end of the side frame assemblies to define a box-like support structure.

Each side frame assembly 21,22 comprises a pair of substantially rectangular frames 30 joined together by hinges 31 such that the frames 30 can be moved between an extended configuration, wherein the frames are arranged in a common plane as shown in FIG. 5, and a folded configuration, wherein the frames lie alongside each other. Each frame comprises a horizontal upper side frame member 32 and a horizontal lower side frame member 33 linked by parallel linking frame members pivotally 34 attached to respective ends of the upper and lower side frame members such that the upper side frame member 32 can be moved with respect to said lower side frame members 33 in a parallelogram manner between a raised position, wherein the framework 20 is in its erected configuration as shown in FIG. 5, and a lowered position, wherein the framework 20 is in a collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 6. Elongate rods 35 are pivotally connected between a lower corner of the each lower frame member 33 and a slider 36 slidably mounted on a respective linking frame member 34 distal from said lower corner to guide movement of the upper and lower side frame members between their raised and lowered positions. Each slider 36 is provided with an aperture receiving a spring loaded locking pin 37 provided in the associated linking frame member 34 to lock the slider 36 in an upper position to retain the respective frame 30 in its raised position.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, outer ends of the lower frame members 33 of each frame 30 are provided with wheel assemblies 38 whereby the side frame assemblies 21,22 may be more easily transported when in their folded configuration. As shown on FIG. 6, the wheel assemblies 38 may be adapted to be extendable from the lower frame members 33 when the frames 30 are in their folded configuration. The two side frame assemblies may be adapted to be connected together in side by side relationship when in their folded configurations to allow them to be moved together. A wheeled bogie may be attachable to the folded side frame assemblies to assist movement thereof. Such bogie may be mounted between the upper and lower side frame members to be located centrally of the folded side frame assembly. A handle may be attachable to an end of the folded side frame assembly or assemblies, preferably opposite said wheel assemblies 38, to allow the side frame assemblies to be moved by one person.

The lower frame member 33 of each frame may contain a roller blind (not shown) extendable through a slot in the frame member such that the roller blind is adapted to be raised to fill the space defined by each frame 30 when in its raised position, whereby the blinds may be utilised for advertising space. In an alternative embodiment the roller blind may be provided in the upper frame member or in one of the linking frame members.

Each end frame assembly 23,24 is detachably mounted between respective ends of the side frame assemblies 21,22 to extend perpendicular to the side frame members and to hold the side frame members together in spaced parallel relationship.

In the embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end frame assemblies 23,24 are adapted to move between a raised and a lowered configuration, varying the effective length of the end frame assembly between the side frame assemblies to allow the side frame assemblies 21,22 to be splayed out at their upper sides to assist removal of the receptacle from the framework. To this end, each end frame assembly 23,24 comprises a first elongate frame member 38 connectable to upper corners of the side frame assemblies 21,22 by means of upwardly facing U shaped ends 39 engaging the upper frame members 32 of the side frame assemblies 21,22.

In such raised position, the first frame members 38 of the end assemblies support the respective end panels 6,7 of the sheet 2. Further frame members 40 extend from the lower face of the first frame member 38 and are pivotally connectable to the sides of the side frame assemblies. Locking pins 41 are mounted on the lower sides of the first frame member 38 adjacent the ends thereof to engage apertures in the adjacent side frame assembly 21,22 to retain the first frame member 38 in its raised position. The upper ends of the further frame members 40 are pivotally connected to the first frame member via elongate slots 42 provided in brackets 43 extending from the underside of the first frame member 38 to allow the first frame member 38 to move vertically through a limited distance to disengage the U shaped ends 39 of the first frame member 38 from the upper side frame members 32 of the side frame assemblies 21,22 when the locking pins 41 are retracted. Subsequently the further frame members 40 pivot about their upper ends with respect to the first frame member 38 until they lie substantially parallel to the first frame member 38, effectively increasing the length of the end frame assemblies 23,24.

Support hooks 50 are provided on the inner sides of the upper frame members 32 and the first frame members 38 of the end frame assemblies 23,24 to which the sides of the sheet may be attached by means of eyelets 12 provided in the sheet 2 to support the sheet 2 within the framework 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and in particular in FIGS. 4 a to 4 c, the support hooks 50 are moveable between an extended position, wherein the hooks 50 pass though the eyelets 12 in the sheet 2 to support the sheet 2, and a retracted position, to permit removal of the sheet 2 from the framework 20.

As shown in FIGS. 4 a to 4 c, the support hooks 50 extend from elongate rods 51 located within the associated frame member, the rods 51 being mounted to rotate to move the hooks between their extended and retracted positions. Guide slots 52 are provided in the frame members, through which the hooks 50 extend, the guide slots 52 having longitudinal and transverse sections to guide the movement of the hooks and to define three discrete positions, namely a fully extended position, shown in FIG. 4 a, for retaining the sheet onto the hooks, a partially extended position to allow the eyelets 12 of the sheet 2 to be hooked onto the hooks 50, and a retracted position. The guide slots 52 are arranged to require axial movement of the elongate rods 51 to enable the hooks 50 to move between their extended, partially extended and retracted positions. The rods 52 are spring loaded in a longitudinal direction to retain the hooks to their extended position, unless a tool is applied to the rods 52 to retract them against said spring biasing force.

One or more cover panels may be pivotally attached to the framework 20 for covering the receptacle 10 defined by the sheet 2. In one embodiment, a cover panel may be hingedly attached to the upper frame member 32 of each frame 30 to be moveable from a first position wherein the cover panel overlays a portion of the receptacle and a second position wherein the cover panel lies over the frame 30. The cover panels may be formed from metal or from a suitable plastic or composite material or any other suitable material.

In an alternative embodiment, a cover panel may be defined by an extension of the sheet 2, preferably extending from one side or end panel of the sheet 2. The cover panel may be releasably securable to the upper sides of the side and end panels of the sheet 2, for example by means of zippers or hook and loop fastenings.

If desired, a rigid base plate (not shown) may be insertable into the receptacle 10 defined by the folded sheet 2 to protect the base panel 3 of the sheet 2 from damage due to sharp objects placed within the container. Preferably the rigid plate is formed from an impervious material and may be provided with an upstanding lip around the peripheral edge thereof to enable fluids to be retained within the base plate.

As shown in FIG. 4, a cover plate 60, as shown in FIG. 9, may be provided for closing said open top of the receptacle 10 defined by the sheet 2 in its erected configuration. The cover plate 60 may be securable to the sheet 2 by connection means (not shown), such as chains extending through the loops of the straps 8,9, permitting the cover plate 60 to be connected to the sheet 2. The cover plate 60 includes lifting shackles 61 mounted on pivotally mounted lifting brackets for attachment of the lifting chains to enable the cover plate 60, and the sheet 2 attached thereto, to be lifted out of and away from the external framework 20.

Each connection means may include a chain connected at one end to the underside of the cover plate 60. When the cover plate 60 is placed over the container defined by the erected sheet 2, each chain is inserted through a respective strap 8,9 of the sheet 2 and passed through a locking member (not shown) in the cover 60.

To allow the cover plate 60 to be selectively removed from the sheet 2 to permit collapse and emptying of the sheet 2, each locking member may be adapted to selectively release the chain when a load is applied to the lifting shackles of the cover plate 60, causing the lifting brackets 62 to pivot. Blocking pins 63 may be insertable into the cover plate 60 to prevent release of the locking members by blocking movement of the lifting brackets 62 to allow the cover plate 60 to be lifted with the sheet 2 attached.

The upper side of the cover plate 60 is provided with doors 64,65 hingedly attached to the cover plate 60 whereby the doors 64,65 can be opened to located the folded frame assemblies 21,22,23,24 within the frame of the cover plate 60.

In use, the external framework 20 and the sheet 2 can be transported to a working location, both in a folded and collapsed configuration. Once at the working location, the external framework 20 can be erected. Next the sheet 2 can be folded to its erected configuration and attached to the framework via the hooks 50 to define an open topped receptacle 10 supported within the framework 20, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Once the thus formed receptacle has been filled with material, lifting means can be attached to the loops at the ends of the straps 8,9 and the hooks 50 can be moved to their retracted position to release the sheet. The end frame assemblies are moved to their lowered position to splay out the sides of the frame to provide more clearance for the sheet and the sheet can be lifted out of the framework 20 using the straps 8,9.

Alternatively, a cover plate 60 can be placed over the container and the chains inserted through the straps 8,9 of the sheet 2 to fasten the sheet 2 to the cover plate 60. With the blocking pins 62 in place, the cover plate 60 can be attached to a lifting means via the shackles 61 and the cover plate 60, with the sheet 2 attached thereto, can be lifted out of the framework 20 and loaded onto a suitable vehicle for transportation to a disposal facility.

Once at the disposal facility, the sheet 2 containing the collected material, can be lifted off the vehicle. Where a cover plate 60 is used, to empty the container defined by the erected sheet 2, the blocking pins 62 are removed and the cover plate 60 lifted once again. With the blocking pins 62 removed, the lifting brackets 62 are allowed to pivot with respect to the cover plate 60, releasing the locking members to release the chains 44 from the straps 8,9, thereby releasing the straps 8,9 from the cover plate 60. Alternatively, where a cover plate 60 is not used, the lifting chains can be released from the straps to collapse the sheet. The lifting chains can removed from only one side of the sheet so that the remaining side of the sheet can be lifted to tip the material from the sheet 2 and to extract the sheet 2 from beneath the material.

In order to facilitate emptying of the material from the sheet, a raised platform (not shown) may be provided at the disposal facility, said platform having a raised upper surface having a length and width substantially equal to the length and width of the base panel 3 of the sheet 2 whereby the sheet can be placed upon the platform such that material contained within the receptacle 10 can be easily removed from the sheet 2. The platform may arranged to be moveable between an inoperative position, wherein the platform is at ground level, and a raised or operative position, wherein the platform is at a suitable height to receive a container. In one embodiment, the height of the platform when in its operative position may be varied.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, wherein the sides panels of the sheet 2 are supported by elongate poles 100,102 arranged to pass through a sleeve defined by a folded over side edge of the sheet 2 and/or through loops 103 of the straps 8 extending transversely across the width of the sheet 2. In such embodiment, the hooks 50 are omitted from the upper side frame members 32 of the side frame assemblies 21,22. However, the hooks 50 on the end frame assemblies are retained to support the end panels 6,7 of the sheet 2.

The poles 100,102 are arranged to be supported by the framework 20, in particular by the first frame members 38 of the end frame assemblies 23,24. To this end, U shaped receiving cups may be provided on the end frame assemblies 23,24. Further pole supporting members may be provided on the inners sides of the side frame assemblies 21,22.

Each of the straps 8 may be provided with double loops 103,104 on their ends, comprising a smaller diameter loop 103 for receiving the poles 100,102 and a larger diameter loop 104 for attachment to a lifting hook. Additionally, or alternatively, further lifting loops or belts may be provided on the lifting poles 100,102 for attachment to lifting means.

In use, the supporting framework 20 is assembled and the sheet is folded to define the receptacle 10 and attached to the framework. As with the first embodiment, the end panels 6,7 of the sheet 3 are attached to the lifting hooks 50 of the first frame members 38 of the end frame assemblies 23,24. The poles 100,102 are inserted through the loops or sleeves of the sheet 2 to support the side panels 4,5 of the sheet 2, the poles being support by suitable regions of the framework 20.

Once full, the receptacle 10 defined by the sheet 2 can be removed from the framework by attaching lifting means to the straps 8 and/or lifting belts provided around the poles and the end straps 9 of the sheet and the sheet and poles can be lifted out and loaded onto a vehicle, as shown in FIG. 12.

To release the sheet, the poles 100,102 can be slid out of the loops 103,104 of the straps 8 (or the sleeves where provided).

To assist insertion and removal of the poles 100,102 and to make the poles 100,102 easier to transport, the poles may be made from several sections that may be connected together.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, dividers may be provided for dividing the receptacle 10 defined by the sheet 2 into a plurality of separate receptacles, for example for recycling different materials.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sheet 2 may comprise a plurality of relatively rigid panels separated by fold lines defining a rectangular base panel, first and second rectangular side wall panels extending from parallel long sides of the base panel, and first and second rectangular end wall panels extending from parallel short sides of the base panel. Rectangular side flaps may extend from respective side regions of the end wall panels, the side flaps being arranged to overlap said side wall panels when the sheet is in its erected configuration. The panels may be formed from a suitable hard plastic material, the fold lines being defined by live hinges. Alternatively the panels may be made from metal, wood, hardboard or any other suitable material. 

1. A container for handling bulk material comprising a sheet of material defining a base panel and a plurality of side wall panels separated from the base panel by a plurality of fold lines, said sheet being foldable about said fold lines into an erected configuration wherein said side wall panels extend upwardly from said base panel to define an open topped receptacle for holding bulk material, an external framework being provided for supporting the sheet in its erected configuration, said sheet being collapsible to a collapsed configuration to facilitate emptying of said receptacle.
 2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external framework is configurable between an erected configuration, for supporting said receptacle, and a collapsed configuration, for transportation and storage.
 3. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein said external framework comprises first and second spaced parallel substantially side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly comprising at least one substantially horizontal lower side frame member and at least substantially horizontal upper side frame member, said upper and lower side frame members being linked by a plurality of parallel linkage members pivotally attached to said upper and lower side frame members such that the at least one upper side frame member can be moved with respect to said at least one lower side frame member in a parallelogram manner between a raised position, wherein the framework is in its erected configuration, and a lowered position, wherein the framework is in its collapsed configuration.
 4. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first and second side frame assemblies are interconnected by one or more substantially perpendicularly extending end frame members.
 5. A container as claimed in claim 4, wherein said end frame members are detachable from said side frame assemblies.
 6. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein each side frame assembly is foldable about a respective substantially vertical axis such that the side frame assemblies can be folded in half about said vertical axis.
 7. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is formed from a single sheet of material.
 8. A container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the receptacle is formed from a substantially rectangular sheet of flexible material, either single or multi-layered material.
 9. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of individual panels interconnected along said fold lines.
 10. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet is formed from a fabric, a mesh or a woven material.
 11. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet is formed from a fire resistant material.
 12. A container as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a substantially rigid base member insertable into the receptacle defined by the erected sheet to lie upon the base panel.
 13. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base panel of the sheet is reinforced.
 14. A container as claimed in claim 13, wherein the base panel comprises a reinforcing member affixed to or sandwiched between different layers of the sheet material of the base panel.
 15. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein elongate lifting straps are provided to enable the sheet in its erected configuration, and its contents, to be lifted out of the framework.
 16. A container as claimed in claim 15, wherein said lifting straps terminate in loops for connection to lifting means.
 17. A container as claimed in claim 16, wherein a plurality of transverse first straps are provided extending across the width of the sheet and at least one second strap is provided extending along the length of the sheet.
 18. A container as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first and second straps extend through respective sleeves provided in the sheet.
 19. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein releasable fastening means are provided on the external framework for supporting the sheet from the framework.
 20. A container as claimed in claim 19, wherein said releasable fastening comprises a plurality of projections or hooks provided on the inner sides of the external framework said projections being received within apertures or eyelets provided in the sheet.
 21. A container as claimed in claim 20, wherein said projections are moveably mounted on the framework for movement between an extended position, wherein the projections can engage the sheet, and a retracted position, wherein the projections are withdrawn from the sheet.
 22. A container as claimed in claim 20, wherein said projections are provided on the inner sides of the upper side frame members and/or the inner sides of the end members of the framework.
 23. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein elongate support members are provided along or adjacent the side members of the framework, said support members supporting the sides of the sheet.
 24. A container as claimed in claim 23, wherein said support members each comprise an elongate pole, said pole being received in a sleeve or in loops provided in the sides of the sheet whereby the elongate poles support the sides of the sheet.
 25. A container as claimed in claim 23, wherein said support members are supported on the end members of the framework to extend parallel to the side frame members of the framework.
 26. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more cover members are provided for closing said open top of said receptacle defined by the sheet in its erected configuration.
 27. A container as claimed in claim 26, wherein said one or more cover members are pivotally mounted on the external framework, preferably on side frame members of the framework.
 28. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover member comprises a cover panel securable to the sheet, said cover panel being provided with connection means permitting the cover to be connected to lifting means to enable the cover, and the sheet attached thereto to be lifted out of and away from the external framework.
 29. A container as claimed in claim 28, wherein said cover panel comprises a substantially rigid panel having a plurality of securing members provided thereon adapted to be secured to the sheet and to permit the sheet to be suspended from the cover.
 30. A container as claimed in claim 29, wherein each securing member comprises a chain having a first end fastened to the underside of the cover and a second end releasably securable to said cover once secured to the sheet, preferably by means of said first and second straps. 